CNN

Clinton making a point about Obama's choice to use parts of his friend's speech marginalize the actual concerns of every day Americans. I am most interested in why our economy is failing, why working Americans cannot afford healthcare, why most people are paying over $50.00 per week to fill the gas tank, why more and more Americans are losing their homes and according to news reports this evening now automobiles–which may be a blessing in disguise given the cost to fuel them. Let's not reduce the issues to who borrowed 2 lines from a friend who suggested the 2 lines be used. Let's try remaining focused on what is important to Americans. Don't Placate the American people. Respect us by speaking to the issues that have been pointed out abundantly state, after state, after state.

Obama is the leading supporter of the U.S. MILITARY. We saw how the former Pres. Clinton treated the military, Hillary is all talk regarding her support, she doesn't believe it herself...........

I don't know if I missed anything but did Hillary Clinton's vote tip the scale for war against Iraq. Was her vote the one vote that made the most difference. And was Obama, as a state senator, given the same information as Mrs. Clinton was given or was he speaking for a personal point of veiw?

So you want more change...7 years ago we make a change...remember george baby? he was an agent of change...look at the results.

On illegal immigration, I that the way to stop illegal immigration is to put pressure on the Country of Mexico and the leadership of that Country to improve the wages that people receive in that Country from their work (receive at least $6.25 per hour) forty hour work week, labor laws, children labor laws. enviromental laws and etc. Until this is done, there will be illegal immigration, no matter how many fences we build or anything else. The citizens of Mexico has a right to make a reasonable living like the rest of the industrialized world.

they are answering-If your not hearing --your not listening! The problem is she don't shut up an she rudely interupts the commentary-and so they never get any where! Her fault, not his. We want to hear more and she just doesn't shut up! she doesn't have a better health care program-Now she says she won't garnish wages-–and before she said she would garnish wages! Ahe just fliped flop---as she did on Immigration and the fence!

If the experience Hillary has before voting for the war will count, why can't she vote right the first time.

Experience in my opinion makes you see the hidden danger in a situation and not rush you to overlook it.

My thought is that she might be making a lot of day one mistake, that she will at the end say if she knew what she knows after leaving office she wil do otherwise.

Hillary Clinton a leader on homeland security. Like I have said before, stop focusing on the Mexican border and start focusing on the much more porus and more dangerous Canadian border.

Chris Yoder
VMI '07

The Minneapolis fatal school bus crash was caused by an ILLEGAL ALIEN who had been convicted before for driving without a license. Four children died!
A sanctuary city, in 2003, the city voted to bar police from asking about immigration status or enforcing immigration laws. The mayor, R.T. Rybak, even asked federal agents to stop wearing vests labeled “police.”

I have been watching the debate for the past 1+ hour and how anyone could think Senator Obama is more ready to step up to the Presidency than Senator Clinton is totally looking at Obama from an emotional viewpoint rather than listening to what they are saying.

Neither of them are listening to the American public. The majority of Americans want the borders shut down and ALL illegals deported.

These two will sell our country down the river.

they dont want to miss out on the latino votes that all they want to do they will do nothing when they get in there as usally....

We do not want universal health care in the USA. Ask any European or Canadian about their healthcare - the Canadian's, where able, will travel to the US and pay for care. I speak from talking with friends in Canada.

Personally talking about universal healthcare, these two who have their own funds for healthcare, is disingenuous.

I find them both inept.

I voted for Bill the first go round.......against him the second; voted democratic the first Bush....and republican the second term I am not a party, but a people voter.

These two have made up my mind: I will vote for whomever is nominated by the Republicans in the November elections.

It is disturbing to think of Hillary as the Commander in Chief or our military. What is this experience that she claims to have to be ready on day one? She had a disdain for our fine men and women in uniform during her time as First Lady, and now we are supposed to believe that she suddenly has respect for them?

WHY DO WE NEED TO FINE PARNETS FOR NOT GETTING HEALTH INSURANCE FOR THEIR CHILDREN

THIS IS NOT A POLICE COUNTRY.

I DO NOT UNDERSTAND AT ALL

Universal Health Care will bankrupt the country. There are too many people for the government to insure. So they both want to fix the economy but also give out health insurance. The only way to do this is to tax people so much that they can't afford to go out and spend money, make their mortgage payments, run up their credit card debts. So both plans will be more detrimental to the country than benefitial.

but but but but , this is speaking eliquently

The majority of Americans do not want to give Illegal immigrants a path to citizenship. This was evident when congress tried to shove the last immigration bill down our throats The canidates are pandering to the Hispanics.

I don't understand what part of "Illegal" people and politicians don't understand. I am a recent immigrant who entered this country by legal means. The INS has a file on me that is several inches thick. I was asked to submit to a criminal backgound check from my country of birth. I had extensive medical evaluations that included the examination of virtually every orifice in my body. The thoroughness of this process is to protect the interests of American citizens and tax payers. There are many good hard working honest people waiting in line to get into this country legally. Immigrants who enter this county illegally show contempt for the laws of this country and should be treated as law breakers that they are.

I NEED TO CORRECT A STATEMENT I MADE REGARDING ENGLISH IN AMERICA I MEANT TO SAY

ENGLISH ONLY IN AMERICA

IF OBAMA BECOMES PRSIDENT WE WILL HAVE PEOPLE WHO SPEAK OTHER LANGUAGES TEACHING OUR CHILDREN AND THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE

NO FOR OBAMA A PRESIDENT

obama has to little to share on how he is going to get money to do everthing he plans, he speeks good but we need experance to lead us look how his face looks he knows he has no plan, Hillary does. Plus i am offened on his border actions as a Mexican American like I said he can talk the talk but he to me can't walk the walk ?

Can some get Bill Clinton to come get his wife off the stage she will not make it

Remember the broadway play "Music Man" The Music Man was a salesman that said there was trouble in River City...to fix the city he sold the kids band instraments...after a long while parents were asking where is the band?...Mr. O you're a good salesman but where is the Band?

Go Hillary!

She is exactly right on the healthcare issue!

this is so not what i wanted to see, i need to see that they both have opinion without having to jump on each others ideas.

I think we first ned the fence to stop the flow of illeagles into this country. If there would have been a fence the boder agent probably would not have been run over.

but she is the only one who answered the actual question: would you stop ICE squads targeting illegals.

Like Mark Twain said, "If you can speak three languages fluently you're trilingual, if you can speak two languages fluently, you're bilingual, if you can speak one language fluently, you're American".

I thought the question on bilingualism Mr. Ramos posed was important and worthy of comment. We are a nation of many immigrant populations and the reason so many immigrant descendants did not retain their languages was the xenophobia they encountered from the population that established primacy. This despite the fact that the founding fathers were largely multi-lingual somehow our leaders became incapable of speaking/understanding other languages and thereby also unappreciative of the value of multilingualism.

I was disappointed that neither candidate spoke to this and instead emphasized the importance of English and in effect play to the current xenophobes. The truth is the monoligualism of our culture keeps our citizens from understanding the meaning of language, handicapping their overall intelligence and therby reducing their ability to understand the world we live in. Language itself should be reflective of the people who are doing the communication. It evolves. Why couldn't they say that language is simply a means to communicate, it should not be mechanically imposed in a nation that believes in free speech?

I am a republican and i am definitely going for Obama he seems very sincere and relaxed to lead..........Clinton dynasty needs to end

no one seems to care that Michelle Obama has lived 40 some odd years and is just now proud of her country. i have always been proud of my country but not proud of this administration big big difference, is this the race card??

How would the universal health care proposition affect people that have military health insurance? Are current and retired military personel going to have to purchase health insurance even though they already have it or would clinton get rid of tricare and force the people that have served (who she so emotionally supports) to pay for insurance, even though they have earned it with their sweat, blood, tears and heartache of seperation?

Chris Yoder
VMI '07

Ok,

I'll restate my earlier comment.

He is focusing on the vision and rallying the citizens and Congress behind the vision.

She sees the details and how to get them done.

He is the leader.
She is the manager.

He is the CEO.
She is the COO.

He is the President.
She is the Vice President.

Every one of these candidates are awful. McCain, Obama, and Clinton are all for giving citizenship to illegal immigrants. How can you give citizenship to people who broke the law and can not speak English. America can not become a country with two languages, we should make English the offical language and throw all illegal immigrants in jail.

Why does Campbell Brown cut Senator Clinton off all the time and let Senator Obama ramble on as long as he pleases? I guess she's for Obama. check the time each has spoken and you will see what i mean.

CAMBELL BROWN NEEDS TO LEAVE THE ROOM, YOU CAN SEE SHE HATES CLINTO, THAYS NOT A FAIR DEBATE

Do we not already pay enough taxes? Many people are already struggling with the current tax rate, and listening to these plans for Universal Health Care and the other nanny-state plans make me really wonder how much more we can take. Looking at the comments of people in Europe and Canada regarding the serious issues with the exact same type of Universal Healthcare, why are so many buying into this? I guess when you say FREE, everyone gets all googly eyed and doesn't look at what they are going to get out of it.

If Senator Obama believes foreign language study is so important, and I agree it is, why did he not push for it to be required in Illinois high schools when he was a State Senator?

From all these comments it's pretty evident that even most of you socialists are not buying the B.S. Clinton can keep bashing Pres. Bush but he has been far and away a better President than that BULBOUS nosed husband of hers.

Ask Hillary one question "You and your husband had 8 years to have health care, stop jobs from going overseas fix the tax code. If you did not do it then, why will you do it now?"

Obama and Clinton are almost exactly the same on every aspect of their campaigns with minor differences. I was just wondering how everyone feels about them as campaign partners. I think which ever candidate wins the democratic endorsement, should take the other candidate as their Vice-President, because they would know the other candidate would fulfill the plan that each other have set up because they feel the same about the topics. Just wondering how the candidates and everyone else feel about that.

RE: Illegal Immigration & Open Borders.

Very wishy-washy on the subject. Senator Clinton stated she would speak to the people that live along the border and get their input on border security. Why only the people that live along the border when this is a problem throughout the U.S. Having experienced illegal immigrants in my small town in Pa. where recently several murders occured by Illegal Immigrants, Drug Trafficing and Gang Recruitment by Illegal Immigrants, .. and "Yes" the Illegal Immigrants are getting away with murder. The American Citizen is being Discriminated. Many issues come with the Illegal Immigration problem. We need tougher Laws throughout the U.S. to take control of the problem that exists and also the borders need to be more tougher. If the United States can rebuild another country, they can certainly control our borders.

When Obama talks about healthcare, I can't understand a word he's talking about? He rambles in circles and I still don't know what his policy will be.

I think Clinton is winning so far she is mastering the issue

If your not working how can you buy health Ins.

I don't have a problem with immigration, I do however have a problem with illegal immigration no matter if they step over the border or wash up on our shores. Their first act in this country was to commit a criminal act. Hillary said that if they commit a crime, they are deported. Obama said he agreed with most things she had said. Well, that would mean that they all would be deported. I go as far as to say, if they entered illegally, then their children should be deported with them. I am undecided still who to support, Rep or Dem or if a third party gets going. This is the most important issue for me since we have probably wasted as much money on this problem as we have on the war. If I move to another country, I'm expected to learn their language, not the other way around.

I an 25 and cant afford to pay BCBS 125 bucks for insurance a month thanks to student loans and a job that doesnt pay me enough....I like Hillary's plan that will allow people like me get it...come on OBAMA your saying the same thing over and over again........

The problem is if we legalize all the illegals in this country, the ony thing will happen is that another 25 million will com and take their place. When will it stop? Why must we take care of everyone else's people? Why not help or own (US Americans) before we help others. Remember charity begans at home.

I am not sure what the purpose of the spanish speaking person on the stage. I find this offesive, Any question on the Trans Texas?

English should be the official language for our nation. My grandparents that came here from Europe was made(forced) to speak English in order to be able to find jobs and live according to our national acceptability and to be unified.

Why should we now change the rules to just be able to get elected. If we try to always be politically correct versus to stand up for the laws of our country.....then God help us.

Yes we are a melting pot as a nation. Go to Europe or Asia and try for each countryto do the same thing.

How can you vote if you do not understand what the candidates are saying, that is if they are speaking English. English should be the official language of the USA.
It is noteworthy that many 'foreign' countries chose English as their official language.
The multi language education system is destroying our 'one nation, one official language' USA and bankrupting schools as well.
Legal immigrnats have always been accepted in the USA. What is not understood by the term 'illegal'?
Ted

While I think that both Clinton and Obama have good ideas regarding imigration, I think that each should have stated that English is the language of this country. Imigrants coming in to this country need to learn our language as all those previous imigrants have done throughout our history. I do not think any consideration should ever be taken to change our countries language from English for any reason. How many Italians, Germans, Asians etc. are in our country? Far more than the 30 million latinos that was reported during tonights debate. Guess what, they all speak English!

I do believe very strongly that it should be mandatory that all students, and starting in elementary school, should be learning another language just as they do in Europe and other parts of the world. I think It is true that most of the free world is bilingual which puts us to shame in this catagory. We do need to catch up here.

Thank you

Hillary is so good.. Obama is having difficult times in answering and giving rebuttals

OBAMA TALKS A GOOD TALK BUT AS A BLACK WOMAN IN AMERICA
I FEEL IT IS TIME FOR THE GUYS IN CHARGE TO STEP DOWN AND ALLOW A WOMAN DO THE CORRECT JOB.

OBAMA THIS IS NOT YOUR TIME BECAUSE I SEE OBAMA AS A HEAD STRONG MAN AND NOT BEING ABLE TO COMPROMISE
IF IT IS NOT HIS WAY THAN IT WILL BE NO WAY AT ALL.

AMERICA WE HAVE HAD 16 YEARS OF THIS LETS NOT DO IT AGAIN

WHAT HAS OBAMA DONE FOR IL AS A SENATER

HE IS SPEAKING OF HIGHER EDUCATION FOR FORIGNERS WHAT ABOUT AMERICAN CHILDREN WHO PARNETS WORK HARD 2 JOBS AT A TIME TO TRY TO SEND THEIR CHILDREN TO COLLEGE AND STILL NOT HAVE ENOUGH MONEY.

GRANTS GO TO LOW INCOME FAMILIES, BUT WHEN YOU HAVE PEOPLE WORKING BELOW MINIMUM WAGE THEY BENEFIT BUT WHAT ABOUT THE FAMILIES WHO WORK HARD AND FOR $ 5.00 MORE BECOME OUT OF GRANTS OR MUCH OF ANYTHING

SOCIAL SECURITY – IF OBAMA IS PRESIDENT (NO MORE)

ENGLISH SPEAKING TEACHERS, TEACHING ENGLISH STUDENTS
IF OBAMA IS PRESIDENT (NO MORE)

WHAT

Most of the people are clueless about immigration. I personally witnessed an undocumented immigrant attempt to pay his taxes. The only reason this person did not file taxes is because the person was afraid of getting caught by the government and getting deported.

Undocumented immigrants want the opportunity to pay their taxes! The rich citizens are the ones that are the ones that engage in all kinds of sneaky tax-avoidance schemes.

Thank you, Obama, for supporting the education of children of undocumented immigrants. These children had no say in where they were born. They should not be punished for something they could not prevent.

I was disappointed that neither candidate indicated that asking everyone else to learn Spanish (instead of Latinos learning English)is insulting to the heritage this country previously had of every new ethnic group coming in having to learn and use English.
This problem is not limited to just border areas.

Each canidate should be reminded that they will be running against John McCain not George Bush. Bush has been mentioned nearly 20 times in this debate.

thanks.

To Chuc, They won't pose our question about NAFTA on the program because it would make Hillary look bad. She supports Nafts because her HUSBAND supported it/

It does take a village...a village of idiots, who still want to put the Hildebeast in the White House

I always watch both the Rep and Dem debates. Interesting contrast that the Rep debate, in this area, was about "Cracking down on companies that HIRED illegal immigrants" (the right way in my opinion) and the Dem debate was about "Cracking down on companies that MISTREAT illegal immigrants."

Hilary's problem is that she thinks she has earned the right to be our president and that if we do not vote for her then we are imbeciles. At least Barak doesn't look down his nose at us.

Immigration reform should include discussion on changing the constitution regarding a child born in the USA of any illigal immigrants being an American citizen. How many other countries have children of illigals automatically become citizens of their country with all the benefits according to those that follow the laws of that country

I think both H.C. and B.O. imagine they are debating G.B. tonight . When they have nothing else to say and want a reaction from the audience they bash President Bush. It's a no brainer.

I can't wait until they ask about healthcare. Obama says he can save a family as much as $2,500.00 per year. For two people I, as a small business owner, very small business, pay $24,000.00 per year for a mediocre coverage through a small business group plan. His savings isn't relief for me it's a discount, there's a difference. I need relief, I want universal healthcare.

A side note, at one time my company had 8 employees and I paid 100% of each employee's healthcare policy. Since Bush has been in office my business is down to me and the co-owner.

Very good point by Obama, you can disagree and have strong debate without tearing your opponent down

He shows he does not have enough expierence. He follows everything Hillary sys. Where are his own ideas. He keeps repeating that he never supported the war. His speach didnt count because he had no vote. He voted every time to fund the war. SO.....

To me, both candidates are missing a big point on this matter. Mexicans and Latino's are not the only ones crossing our borders illegally, how do we know Alqada is not? Is this security/ Also, when the subject of English only came up, both also balked on that issue as well. OF COURSE English should be our ONLY language! Whould Mexico tolerate English being their language? It is imperitive that America stay America. English is OUR language. Come here...learn OUR ways...learn OUR laws...and learn OUR language.

Did you all watch the itich guy about obama and his tax raises, he says Obama will tax the people to death. Please people if you are watching the debate HILLARY is definately making him look like a dufus GO HILLARY>

Clinton will not do anything to get what she wants... she will do anything to get what the people want... Obama- why don't you answer a question clearly please...

I am so sick and tired of all the verbage....you talk about not bickering but your the one who does it all the time and yet the "popular thing to do" is to scream and yell for him.....I wished I could "borrow" words from people as he has and get away with it in college...I would never have to worry not getting an A!!!!!!

sen.clinton&obama theamerican people have voiced there opinion english is thelanguage of the united states its not up for debate

Wow, Obama just slam dunked Hil-dawg!!!! And, I said slam dunk so that this message doesnt get censored.

I have been a democrat for a number of years, but I can honestly say that if Clinton wins the nomination I will vote for McClain,and so will my wife. We have had eight year's of Clintons and it is really time for a change in this country. It's funny that people talk about experience, but the only one that has experence at being Present of the United Staees of America is a second term President.

There are not differences in policy. He is definitely the leader here. I like what the other person said she is an Administrator he is a leader.

What about me? Why is it so easy to give away my Job.

I havn't seen much of a fundamental difference in either canidate so far and would actually like to see them both together on one ticket

Why should the federal government lock variable mortgage rates for those people that chose that path? I purchased a home within the last 5 years and selected a fixed rate loan over a varible ARM. With the federal government proposal to lock variable mortgage rates they are rewarding those that made an unresponsible decision and worst of all they are doing it with my tax money that I worked just as hard for. This is not fair for those of us that chose the safe route.

The idea of English not being the primary language in this country is apathetic. What would those who fought for this country in wars gone by have to say about that? Both Clinton and Obama sound like they will sell out to get the Latino vote.

Baby Obama is not fairing so well in this debate. Maybe a call to Oprah is in order?

As far as english as the national language, it IS the tie that binds us together. According to the regulations, a person must be able to speak the english language and also pledge allegiance to this country before y become a citizen. They are not supposed to be a mexican pledged to overthrow our American government. They laws that the European imigrants have alwyas adhered should still be enforced with the Mexican imigrants, not a double standard.

One of the areas that is not being mentioned on immigration is the fact that people are leaving their home countries because there is something wrong: the culture, economics, justice system, lack of educational opportunities, etc. It should be noted that English IS and SHOULD be the language of the United States of America. As a native born citizen, English is the language of this country. Immigrants must understand that when they leave their homes, English is the language of this country. That is not a prejudice it is the way of this great nation.

We are paying 6700 a student to teach non English speaking students English for 4 hours a day. The other kids are getting about 3400 a year spent on them. Is this fair? We have terrible schools in AZ and this is one of the major reasons why. We spend our money on those here that are illlegal. Untill we change the law that says if you are born on US soil then you are an American then we will continue to have this problem.

McCain is for open borders. Helloooo. The bill name was McCain/Kennedy bill. This won't come up.

I agree, she is screamming... She seems like she's out time

Now it is getting a little better

The reason that Obama is doing so well is because she has been using others quotes and none of his own

I'd just like to ask if anyone in this discussion, including these two socialists Obama and Clinton, Have you ever sat down and READ the Constitution??

My family learned to speak english because they moved to a country they respect and so they adapted to that country rather then having that country adapt to them. This does not mean that we dont continue to speak our language and keep our values but we have adapted to the United States as well. I wouldnt expect to move to Mexico and try and change the language or culture!

actions do speak louder than words and that's what we got from the bush administration. Enough talk about health care and the no child left behind and katrina and mississippi crisis. it's time to see results in providing for these areas and generate income and jobs for america and not jobs for the other countries. Providing cost saving healthcare for us and our senior citizens and our children here in the USA. We need results and not oratorical sweet sounding speeches!

I wish these candiates would just answer the question and stop beating around the bush. Either answer Yes – give the reason or No – and give the reason. I need accountablity and what they would do and not do

I am a black man who voted for Obama in the Georgia primary, but looking at these two candidates side by side, Clinton does seem to be better on the issue than Obama and she will certainly deliver on her promises.

Both candidates appear to be fearful of saying English is and should be the official language of the United States. Neither bring up the fact that remittances are Mexicos 2nd largest income and this is a detriment to the United States economy, money is leaving the U.S. and is used to help more illegals come to America

Actions to Obama must be Vagueries. He takes credit for legislation he joindered on. Talk about a punch in the nuts to the rest of his colleagues.

Close your eyes and this could be a debate from any election for the past 50 years. They offer the same talk that politicians have been giving for all those years.

It appears that both Clinton and Obama are saying the same thing when ever they answer the questions which are being asked so far. They have not differed in any responses as of yet. There answers have been candid but they are saying the same thing.

On a fix income like social security and then the reality taxes go up and now can,t pay for the taxes on your house with everthing else going up . Cost of living raise go once a year and then you get a big $10.00 a month,if medicare don,t take it back. Where do we go under a bridge and live and pay taxes for it too!

Both democratic candidates believe that corporations are not paying enough in taxes. I seems that Exxon paid over 40 billion in taxes last year. They are in a 41% tax bracket. What more do they want. If either are elcted as president, no company will want to bring the company back to the states. They want to cut subsidity, and then incease taxes. Heaven help us.

In terms of immigration, this is a good strategy used by both candidates. One cannot just ship out the immigrants out of the country. There must be immigration reforms, however, it must be done very carefully so that all parties can be satisfied. The current immigration policy is not working. Is it fair to send the parents of a child back to their country of origin and leaving their children behind here and those children were born in the US. The US/Mexico relationships must also be changed as well. The United States must help Mexico in terms of creating jobs in Mexico.

On the other hand, there's also a double standard when it comes to the Immigration policies that the US government have used when it comes to the Haitians. If a Cuban immigrant has touched the US soil, he/she is allowed to stay in this country while the Haitian immigrant will be sent back to Haiti. The US Immigration policies need a complete overhaul.

Thank you,

Pierre Boisrond

Hillary looks like she has been up late into the nights eating and drinking too much. Her hair looks greasy and her smile is full of insane teeth.

Obama looks like he could sell a white man a used Cadilac.

But looks aren't everything. They are both just so full of friendliness and coma like desire to agree with each other. These minor details that they squabble over are not going to illuminate anybody to anything. Why do these people really want to be president. I think Hillary should go off of the heavy mood pills and start yelling. She should imagine that Obama is bill and throw something at him.

I am voting for myself again this year.

why do america have to explain why america has to stay an english
speaking country ?

i feel as an american that this is my country and we speak english that is the offical lanuage of this country. why do we need to explain why america must stay an english speaking country.

ENGISH AS A SECOND LANUAGE A MUST

The Clintons Promised a Health Plan thruoug Two Election campaings. Now we get the same promises and I expect the same results

If Hillary is so bad and so off the beat of America, why did Obama give her $4500.00 in her campaign in 2006? It just doesn't make sense! He is simply piggy backing off her ideas and adding Hope and Change to it. Lets not forget the only reason he is still going; Oprah's Money!

He should explain that and does he think he is White House material being a drug user and drug dealer? That is not a president! Also, name one thing he has done in his minimal time in the Senate? Not even his movement can do that!

Kevin Asberry
Springfield, MO

Hi Bill – would you please share your thoughts on the body language being expressed in this debate? I find it fascinating. Clinton started out just staring at him when he spoke. Then, about 30 minutes into the debate, she started slightly swaying in agreement. Right before the break, she was actually nodding in agreement.

The hospital systems and school systems in many locations in Texas are feeling the financial impact of supporting undocumented workers and the children being born and now educated in Texas. The emergency rooms and school rooms are being pushed to capacity and the effects are being felt financially in both areas.
No, fences will not work but effective policing of the border will if Border Patrol agents can enforce the laws now on the books without pressure from our government and also the Mexican government.

Why hasn't either of the candidates said anything about NAFTA's impact on illegal immigration? There is a lot of work on NAFTA's effect on lowering the prices of products in Mexico, which ultimately eliminates small Mexican farms and companies' ability to compete. There is no way that a Mexican farm or company can compete with a large transnational corporation. Due to this, Mexicans have to find a way to make a living and provide for their families. Of course they would cross the border, and work for below minimum wage when they make even less in their own country.

Actions to Obama must be Vagueries. He takes credit for legislation he joindered on. Talk about a punch in the nuts to the rest of his colleagues.

clinton– all go no show. * healthcare reform? she's been working but to no avail

I was extremely unimpressed with both candidates on the issue of immigration. It sickens me to hear both talk about putting up a wall between the US and Mexico (I would like to remind everyone that the Soviets too built a wall). All it can do is create more division between our two cultures. Instead of building walls we need to break down borders!

First Clinton said she would force immigrants to learn english, then later she back away once a spanish speaking person asked the question over again.

Actions definitely speak more words Hillary

Me, I, I, I think, me, mine, Me, Me, Me...blah, blah, blah...I,

This is very true. I disagree with both of them on some of this immigration stuff, but I don't see McCain as being any better.

No. There is clear cut between a leader and followers. In this case, McCain is the chief and other candidates followed. In fact, it is a good case for McCain to make: He can draw people from other parties to follow him.

There is a path to citizenship and we have ample laws to pave the way. You liberals want to just "open the fence" and then worry about it later-as long as you get re-elected. NO ONE who breaks the law in this country should be given a break. Otherwise just open the prisons and let everyone go. IF you are liberal THINK before you open your mouth.

I favor English as the official language of the United States of America.

I agree with Linda to a great extent. Senator Clinton continues to highlight Texas cities and local government officials (mainly latinos) that she's visited and spent time with, respectively.

I voted for Obama in the AR primary and I have sent him money. I will not be voting for him this fall because of his stance on immigration. My view on this subject have changed 180 degrees. I fixed t my wife's papers and we have been married for twenty years. I met her in Texas and she was illegal. I have seen this problem up close and we must draw a line. Neither Clinton Obama or McCain seem to be capable of doing that. The population growth caused by immigration is unsustainable. A bilingual and bicultural society has many down sides, look at Kosovo.

No amnesty. Why can't they get that.

Our economy cannot handle 12 – 20 million more welfare receipiants. Obviously Ms Clinton didn't talk to the common man while in Texas becuase she would have been told that they aren't all here to work. I work for the Social Services agengy here and the numbers of illegals moving here and having multiple children are increasing at an abominial rate. We can't afford them!

I liked both their answers until it came to the English Language being the offical language. I strongly disagree with Mr. Obama on REQUIRING English speaking students to learn a second language. As we've learned from No Child Left behind this brings disadvantages to many schools for a variety of reasons. I have a disabled child currently struggling to learn at the pace the school had to set for no child left behind so the overall school numbers are not affected. A second langauge would be impossible. This requirement would disenfranchise schools with a higher amount of learning disabled children, due to enviromental issues, funding, and alot of other extenuating circumstances. If Enmglish is the official language there should be no requirement, it should be decided by the schools ona state to state or even county to county basis. Not mandated, because again w've learned bills like this and No Child Left behind hurts the children that need the most help into forcing them to achieve goals beyond their reach.

Hello–

I think Obama needs to take a look at Hillary and 'watch and learn'!. I like him and I like her but let me tell you–she knows her stuff. She is vetted and he is not and she could run circles round him in any real time situation. He is our future–she is now!! Go Hil–we, the women of the US–need to wake up and realize what it is we need to do and vote for a woman–a very savvy and knowledgeable and warmhearted woman–IN as President of the United States.

Ann

Why is this topic always directed toward our Southern border? Why is it not directed to the North? I know more Canadians here illegally than I do Mexicans and I live in Texas...

I am an immigrant myself and I feel it is important to continue to have english as the primary language and it shouldn't be about just learning to speak spanish it should be allowing ANYONE learn any language! Yes we should focus learning new languages but if we do not stay focused on standarized testing then how are we going to be sure the students are learning the things that they are supposed to. We should focus on testing the students and what they learn and make sure that our teachers are teaching them the lessons necessary for the future....so Senator Obama isnt our entire nation based on checks and balances why should schools be any different???

No weopon formed against Barack shall prosper in the name of Jesus!!!

I just listen to both canidates claiming illegals do not pay taxes. This is far from the truth. The IRS issuesn them Tax ID #'s they use to pay taxes and alot of them have phont SS#'s that they and their employer pays ss Taxes to. Wonder where that money goes. One thing they will not be able to collect it when they retire.

It would be helpful to have thoughtful follow-up questions, for example Obama's tax plan, the tax boundry has been stated repeatedly by Obama as $75,000 per family, very different from his proclamation tonight, he implied $75,000 per individual. We need help from the CNN with appropriate follow-up. Which is it?

thanks

While I agree with both candidates on the approach to immigration reform, there were some ambiguities regarding non-English speaking children being provided support in school so that they do not fall behind. I don't think bilingual education is the answer as it taxes education funding which is already in trouble. However, programs could be developed to encourage the parents to learn English and to force children to learn English in school. When I started school in the U.S. I spoke no English. By the end of my first school year, I spoke English well enough to make good grades throughout the rest of my elementary years. It can be done.

Hillary is definitely winning this debate and possibly Texas

Both senators said they would advocate more border patrol personnel vice fences. Where do they propose to get the funding for the additional manpower required to patrol the entire southern and northern borders?

I think Obama is on his game. One of the first things he mentioned in this debate is how many of his policies match Clinton. By doing this, he has made it much less adversarial which suits him just fine. It also cancels out her argument that Obama doesnt have substance.

This is not a debate, but instead are simply two stump speeches that have been heard over and over again. The moderators questions are generalized, and lack any intensive follow up. The audience interaction doesn't contribute to a debate but rather a beauty contest. CNN cannot run a debate. Dissapointing for a viewer that was keen to hear an intelligent discussion of the issues.

Build the wall on the border. What is so complicated about that? When will some of this politicians say that dirty word?

Hillary rather straight up lie. and not truthful.. In many things she say.

This is America our language is english... does Hillary want 170 different signs in every language everywhere in New York.... so we don't hurt anyones feelings? If I'm going to live in another country,I would "melt" in and not try to turn it into some other country... They both want to grab onto "the melting pot" words... but they don't want to hold the immigrants to the "true meaning" of that.

Bi-lingual country. English and what language? Perhaps we should add another bird with the Eagle. Can we have some substance to what they are saying.

Fence, smart fence Mrs. Clinton? One with concrete and barbwire would work. Perhaps electrify too.

Since immigration has become a vital topic in this presidential election, could anyone discuss about legal path to citizenship for professionals with higher degrees in US?

On the issue of language, English is the voice of our country. As for Obama's comment on requiring a second langauge for our students, It already is here in Florida. Please have him stump on the change he keeps expressing, not things that already exist. Go Hilary

among B. Obama, H. Clinton, and GW Bush, Bush is the only one who can speak a foreign language–gee– H and O are supposed to be so smart....

Wait a tick...making a simple, accurate observation about how there's no real need to enter a dispute on immigration won't allow Clinton supporters to trash Barack Obama. What're they supposed to do now? Don't deprieve them their moment.

I think they both did a great job in explaining there immigration reform, however I like Obama's Idea of immigration reform. Children who grew up in this country should get legal citizenship. l.

I think both candidates are doing a great job. Obama looks very presidential!

I support the Democrats and don't care who winds as long as it's not any more Republicans. But I do NOT support legalization of illegal Mexican criminal immigrants. We need to seal the border entirely and reduce the number of legal immigrants. Build a triple deep fence covered in razor wire, electrified to 100,000 volts, and put guard towers up the entire length of the border with sub machine guns and build moats filled with abortion-dinducing chemicals to make all these pregnant Mexicanas stopped running across the border and dropping out all their illegal anchor babies. In 20 years they'll be calling for the separation of "Aztlan" or the western third of the US. Enough is enough! We already have 10-20 million of these illegal criminals here and we don't need any more. Then all the ones that are here should be rounded up and deported to their homeland. It's called Mexico (or Guatemala or El Salvador, whatever). Mexico should pay for all their criminals in our prisons here too. It's absurd that we have to pay for these criminals. English should be the official language too. And I am very offended that a moderator would say a single word in Spanish!

what do the going to do regarding the new "amero" currency
would they continue on with the nafta agreement ?

I was pleased to hear both candidates suggest that everyone learn the English language. A common language is critical to the success and cohesion of a nation. While I don't agree with many positions of either Senator, I was pleased to here this from them.

Stop interrupting Senator Clinton! You are letting Obama finish what he's saying. Give the same consideration.

If Social Security and Medicare is cutting back on benefits how can we afford to add millions more to the list as in immigration reform??

Tell Campbell's soup to shut up
and let them answer the questions. Man is she annoying.

On the issue of Immigration "The Fence " this needs to be built. there is no other way of tracking illegal immigrants. You can't slow down the flow unless you build barriers.

Sorry, meant "THEIR". . .

Your comment is awaiting moderation.

Someone should have asked the question of the moderator who asked, "Would a bilingual America have a downside," the question, "Would you be willing to go back to your country, learn Japanese, start eating sushi, bow when you greet people and take your shoes off when you enter a restaurant becuase millions of Japanese immigrants to your country wanted to maintain THEIR culture?"

How is this not obvious?

Hillary Clinton is winning the debate hands down. She is showing a real command of the issues, she is answering the questions, she is getting the applause from the crod 4 to 1 over Obama.

Obama is proving to be a total flip-flopper, especially on his position to meet with leaders, and when he tries to answer the question, he either gives a copycat answer from Hillary Clinton, or runs off on a tanmgent and doesn't andswer the question at all.

Hillary Clinton, by far, is showing that she is the strongest candidate to be President and Commander-In-Chief!

More debates will only cement this fact for the voters.

Great job Hillary! Keep up the good work!

This debate is very disapointing ... it's more like patty cake. Proves the point that there is no difference except likability and Obama is the winner of that!

The debate clearly shows that Clinton knows much more than Obama. When he does not know or is not sure of the answer he simply ys he agrees with her. He is certainly not a good debator. I fail to see why he is so attractive to voters when clearly she will make a better president. But then these are the voters who voted for George Bush 2 times!

Re; The Fence

Lets see.. which walls have worked?

Berlin? Great wall of China? Hadrian?

Nope

Obama looks so inexperienced..looks liek giving home work results after reading a book

Hillary and McCain both will do the bidding of BIG BIS they'll both do nothing about illeagals in this counrty. BIG BIS wins , voters nothing

I had to comment.

The portion of the debate on immigration and the outright pandering to the hispanic vote is sickening. They seem like they are literally afraid of upsetting the hispanic voting block by answering a simple question of whether they should pander further to hispanics only in language. They should have said NO, all languages should be taught and not just spanish.

As a proud American citizen I just hope a third party candidate comes out that isn't afraid of the hispanic groups enough to have the guts to stand up for the American citizen FIRST!

Immigration is a tough issue for the U S but not for most other places, look at the policies in places like New zeland, Switzerland, Austrailia, what is wrong with their policies, .....nothing, they just seem to work.

Apparently both candidates have been clued into the fact that here in Texas there is (apparently) a lot less anti-illegal immigrant emotion than in either California or Arizona... Refreshing!

Hopefully this is just them playing to their audience.

Will Campbell Brown please provide full disclosure. True journalists would do that. Her husband worked for the Romney campaign and she's moderating a Democratic debate. It doesn't make her unqualified for it, but she should at least be open about it.

I agree, will we see what happens as things pan out!

Two pandering puppets if ever there were one. Everyone already learns a second language in junior and senior high school. Just because those to are too dumb to remember high school.

clinton is the leader, obama is a follower,its time that peop;e really see this gefor its to late. i drive a truck, amd all over i here the same thing "if obama gets it they will vote for mcaine or not vote at all"

hink Bill was a great president and Hillary Will be even better! Obama sounds a nice man but He doesnt really know what he talks about!

I hear the oratory abilities of both candidates, and I have watched all previous debates. When is Obama going to tell when he will implement his policies (how many days in office) and also explain how he intends to fund his polices?

If he wants every child to have a second language in school, how is he going to fund it???

The problem is they flip flop like John Kerry did in the past. They have to make a clear position about where they stand. Its okay to make a change in opinion, but they never ever state what there opinion actually is.

Someone should have asked the question of the moderator who asked, "Would a bilingual America have a downside," the question, "Would you be willing to go back to your country, learn Japanese, start eating sushi, bow when you greet people and take your shoes off when you enter a restaurant becuase millions of Japanese immigrants to your country wanted to maintain THERE culture?"

How is this not obvious?

I'm a republican but starting to listen and see what Obama is about. I think Clinton or Clintons are despicable and so anything to get what they want...and what's with her shaking her head while Obama is speaking another tactic such trash thet are (Clinton's

This is not a debate but simply a Democratic lovefest that is bashing the current administration. How can we trust Hillary or Obama if they cannot tell us the truth about how they differ?

I think Senator John Mccain is man that you can trust but I don't believe that he is "experience" enough when it comes to america needs!

Why do these canidates always point out the business owners, thus this includes small business main street employeers. But I never here them say they also will go after the banks who give them bank accounts, or the credit card companies that offer cards to them as well.

Is she always to answer first in tonight's format? If so, it seems that gives him many opportunities to find creative ways to say, "Sen. Clinton and I basically agree." When I was young, it would usually be said more simply: "Yeah, what she said."

I don't think he's doing a lot to show his plans and policies are original to him, while she may be bogging down in details.

Are any of the moderators going to direct any more questions to Sen. Obama first and allow Sen. Clinton to respond? Thus far, he has largely been forced into the position of responding, and fre;quently agreeing, with Sen. Clinton. While this highlights the relatively narrow differences in their respective stances on policy issues, it puts him at something of an unfair tactical disadvantage.

Why are they both so concerned about discriminating against people that aren't even citizens? Also, why is it our responsibility to fix Mexico's economy when ours is enough to worry about. I also hear all thise candidates say they will put illegals at the end of the line, but unless the line begins in their own country, it's not really the end of the line is it?

Obama hit it on the head... the immigration debate is causing unnecessary hate crimes against hispanic citizens of our great country.

It just seems like Obama is not answering the question. Why can't he focus on address the question at hand with specifics instead of just beating the bush. I am still waiting – but running out of patience.

I agree with Mr scheider. That's all I'm hearing. I agree with Sen Clinton. I agree with Sen Obama. No one is distinguishing himself or herself. Some should get a count on how many times we have heard "I agree with...".

When is somebody going to remind the HRC and BHO that Ted Kennedy (senior democrate) was the chief sponser of the no child left behind act and quick blaming BUSH...what a cop out.

Campbell Brown is doing a terrific job. Thank goodness we are being spared Wolf Blitzer.

Apparently it will be what Cafferty called early a "big yamn debate". lol

Both candidates are excellent in the debate. I liked their position on immigration and bilingualism. Obama seemed to offer a more comprehensive and more complete solution approach on both issues – comprehensive immigration reform and encouraging all students to learn a second language and moving away from the disastrous "No Child Left Behind" shamble

I want to clarify something I am not Hispanic I speak other language and I have right here. Even though I speak English, if you are talking of bi-lingual what happens to my language and my people here.

I think English should be official and Multi-lingual optional and not bi-lingual (English, Spanish).

What bill did Obama just refer to that would allow illegal immigrant children to go to school in places like the University of Texas?

THE DECIDING VOTE MAY COME FROM THE GAY COMMUNITY, WHERE DO THEY STAND ON GAY ISSUES?

ahahhh clinton is losing, she is just yelling and pandering while obama is proving that he knows policy

good game mrs clinton

This is a sparring contest. No one is making any substantial claims here. More of one upsmanship than anything else.

Sen Obama just did Sen Dick Durbin's bidding by bringing up the Dream Act.

The Dream Act of course is a discriminotary piece of legislation because it expressly keeps out children of legal non-immigrants such who are waiting for their green cards while providing benefits to children of illegal immigrants.

Honestly, when it comes to building a fence that will basically just be the "Great Wall of America" I'm disappointed. As Senator Obama says, we need to make the process for legal immigration easier and more efficient. Remove the incentive to cross illegally and the need for a wall does not exist.

Yes, it is important for the U.S. to keep a common language which binds us with values. Jorge Ramos asked a good question about a 'limit' to bi-lingualism; and that makes me think that it is REALLY important that the U.S. does not become like Mexico. No need for details, but there is a reason illegals are coming from Mexico to the U.S. and not the other way around.

If McCain doesnt take them on, on immigration reform he wont generate any enthusiasm from conservatives hes already having trouble with.

The differences between the two candidates are so very subtle in this debate that it is almost not worth having. Somehow the impression I have is that they are simply telling the Latinos and Texans what they want to hear.

Is anyone else having trouble following Obama tonight? He is really confusing my friend and I with his answers.

Obama's fingers are making more points than his words. HA! Go Hillary!!

Bill Clinton reached across the aisle and we got NAFTA.....

It's interesting to watch along with the "live reaction". All answers by both candidates are scoring between 50-70 with very little variation. It seems like the 'undecided voters' CNN is using don't see too much of a difference, either. No good shots yet.

I agree to give citizenship helping people to pay taxes in this country, I do not agree that this should be a primary subject that our candidates are focusing on. We should be staying on the economy. Yes Immigration is a problem, our hospitals suffer but I do not believe in denying anyone medical help, this is where global healthcare will become important. I agree that immigrants should have to learn English as this is our country's primary language and has been for as long as I can remember, my parents can remember, my grandparents can remember, you get the point.
Why should we change our language to make people happy, when it should be a requirement to learn the English language to become a citizen, and to get into the US.

how about releasing the two Border Guards

Again Hillary has got better solution and concrete one.

Both pandering to Latino votes a non issue in the primary.

Oh course they're not drawing contrasts on policy. They both agree.

The question is getting it done. Obama offers leadership and Clinton offers administration.

He is the new Great Communicator and she is the Great Administrator!

Actually it would be perfect for he to be a President in the mold of Ronald Reagan and she to be a Vice President in the mold of a Dick Cheney - only without the Darth Vader part.

Good. Ethnically-European Americans have no moral right whatsoever to complain about illegal immigration on a chunk of land they committed genocide in order to steal.

Clinton has all the right answers. Obama was smart going second because he is following in Clinton's answer. He unfortunately, does not have original ideas!!

Yep. all of our candidates are for open borders. Path to citizenship yes, close the border, first!!!!

Please ask Campbell Brown to stop cutting Sen. Clinton off. She is clearly finishing her comments, and Campbell jumps in before she finishes the last sentence and cuts her off. It is inappropriate and rude.

They are playing it safe.

hillary can't learn to speak another language – or manage her money or be the president. she encourages people to become bilingual – but that's something she has said she can never do.

The headline at CNN.com says 'Obama/Clinton' Don't Hug.

So what? When did CNN.com become US Weekly? Got any room for real reporting here?

Absolutely right. I'm not surprised this issue came up due to the debate being in Texas, but I'd like to hear of more "sticky" issue between the 2. This is one where Hillary and Barack are relatively similar on (minus the driver's license thing). Obama is getting stronger now and I'm glad. I agree with those who said he was stuttering a bit in the beginning. I still support him and will never vote for Hillary.

Hillary is definitely winning this debate, thus far.

Amazing that in all her years in the senate, it took the present Texas primary for her observe the border security problems first hand.
Some coincidence.

Bottom line. Opinions on who is winning?

WHY DOES SHE KEEP SCREAMING?

Obama brought up a wonderful point with the children and immigration.

Obama is repeating Hillary's comments. It appears he is unable to come up with his own responses.

I hope they ask about the driver's licenses for the undocumented. Love to see how Hillary spins her position on that in front of the Mexican crowd. Last debate Obama said he was supportive of it whilst she ws against it. And the question about undocmented peoples stealing "blacks:". Obama had the more substatntive answer that the Mexican audience should like whilst Hillary bascially said that that was the case. Not good.

Barck Obama position different to Clinton on immigration is the driver license for illegals.

The border fence comes before any of that and Hillary just detailed very well how she would handle it, its pointless to talk about handling illegals until you stop the inflow i the first place. Come in the legal way. I don't hear details coming from Obama on this.

STAND STRONG FOR CHANGE (OBAMA)

OR

FALL HARD FOR THE SAME (Clinton)!!!!

If Hillary gets elected, she will be loyal and follow through with her promises to Latinos. Obama will not – he just wants to win Texas.